Last year at this time, I was out of a job. I had some job prospects, but only part-time. I enjoyed the people around me, but I had no friends my age, & until then I didn't really realize how important that was. This makes it all sound like I was depressed & in a terrible place...that's not the case at all, but I say all of this just to show how far God has brought me since then.
Now I've been at a full-time job for a little over seven months. While it's not exactly what I want to be doing, I love the people that I work with & the company is very good to us. I know with absolute certainty that it is where I am supposed to be for now.
When I moved here, I knew one person. Within the first few weeks I found a church (the one I thought I was least likely to attend) & recently became a member there...not something I really had any intention of doing anytime soon, but it was exactly the right thing to do. I have a huge group of friends now, & quite a few that I'm very close to. I have a small group that I adore. I'm in a community of people in my same stage of life. This is what I was missing before, whether I knew it or not. And best of all, I am in a church that preaches the Gospel every single week & I have people that challenge my daily.
All of this has happened in just the past seven months. I feel like oftentimes, we limit God by not believing that His plan for our lives can possibly be better than ours. But it is...so much better.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
It's bad when you hear a Bible verse so often that it becomes almost cliche in our minds. And I feel like that's how this one is. But I don't think we're usually looking it it from the right perspective. When we read about a hope & a future, we're inserting our hopes & our plans for a future into God's plan, instead of the other way around. The plans He has will prosper us because they'll be bringing Him glory. Our ultimate happiness comes through glorifying him.
What a beautiful journey! It's also so amazing to look back and see the things He has done. So glad you have a job you like and are surrounded by wonderful people!
ReplyDeleteWonderful reminder, sweet girl. Thanks for this--needed to hear it. What a difference a year can make, huh? God is so good!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for new blogs and found yours through Faith Blogs. This post is incredible and struck a chord with me. I started a new job in September, joined a church last year (also the one I thought I'd be least likely to join) and am building a new network of Christian friends in my life stage. It's refreshing to know someone else is going through it, too. Thank you. I can't wait to keep reading!
ReplyDeleteOh and I nearly forgot... I feel the same about Jer. 29:11, about the cliche part. I've heard that verse my entire life. But if you keep reading, verses 12-13 hit the mark for me! 13: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with ALL your heart!
ReplyDeleteI'm such an introverted person and tend to isolate myself, so this post was a real encouragement to me today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and it's SO awesome that you're connecting with people!
It is AMAZING to see what God does even when we don't know what's coming! It's great to look over the last year and see his hand on our lives! Excited for you for 2012!! :)
ReplyDeletefinding and putting your URL as my update-feeder :x
ReplyDeletetake a look at mine also <3 http://iypb.blogspot.com